Sunday, July 17, 2011

New Command

Lynda gave me her sermon notes today so I could give you the full sermon but I'll try to cut it down a bit.

The reading for this morning comes from John 15:12-17

Some translations use the word "ordained" instead of "appointed" in verse 16. The word "ordained" comes from the word "ordered". God says "I have ordered you to bring forth fruit". He set us apart from others and chose our direction.

Are you so accustomed to everything going wrong that even if things are fine do you go looking for trouble? Some people do. We need to try to remember that God is in charge and that we should trust Him in all things.

Most people know the poem "Foot Steps" where in times of troubles there is only one set of footprints. God carries us when we think we have lost the battle, He pushes us when we run out of steam. "The steps of the Godly are directed by the Lord, He delights in every detail of their lives" Psalm 37:23.

God has not brought us this far to abandon us, He has appointed us to produce fruit that will last. Because He wants us to be fruitful "no weapon turned against you will succeed ... These benefits are enjoyed by the servants of the Lord" Isaiah 54:17.

Are you serving God to the best of you ability? Lasting joy and success - that's God's plan for you. God never speaks something over your life and lets it fall apart. We can trust in His word because He is faithful. He gave us a new command, to love each other has He has loved us. Lets start loving and trusting today.